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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11.14.18 meeting packet1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. • ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 • (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 • WWW.ANDOVERMN.GOV Andover Open Space -Advisory Commission Meeting Agenda November 14, 2018 Andover City Hall Conference Room A&B 6:00 p.m. 1. Call to Order 2. Resident Forum 3. Approval of Minutes: July 11, 2018 Regular Meeting 4. Update on the Four Nature Preserves 5. Discussion of Possible Grants 6. Discussion of Boardwalk Costs and Status of Dalske Woodlands Boardwalk 7. Other Business a. Next meeting? 8. Adjournment C I T Y O F ND OVE: 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. • ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 • (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 • WWW.ANDOVERMN.GOV TO: Andover Open Space Advisory Commission FROM: Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician SUBJECT: Approval of Minutes — July 11, 2018 Regular Meeting DATE: November 14, 2018 INTRODUCTION The Open Space Advisory Commission is asked to review and approve the minutes from the July 11, 2018 regular meeting. DISCUSSION Please share any changes to the minutes at the meeting. ACTION REQUESTED A motion, second, and vote are necessary to approve the minutes. —Respectfully -miffed, - -- -- -- Kameron Kytonen Attachment July 11, 2018 meeting minutes REGULAR ANDOVER OPENSPACEADVISORYCOMMISSIONMEETING JULY 1], 2018 MINUTES The Regular Meeting of the Andover Open Space Advisory Commission was called to order by Acting Chairperson Kim Kovich at 6:02 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Joy Faherty (arrived at 6:03 p.m.), Jim Olson, and Brian Perra Commissioners absent: Gretchen Sabel and Anna Dirkswager Also present: Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician OATH OF OFFICE Newly appointed Commissioner Brian Perra completed his oath of office. 17�Y���'I]ZI/ul No one wished to address the Commission. DALSKE WOODLANDS PRESERVE BOARDWALK UPDATE Mr. Kytonen stated that the City applied for a grant from the DNR Federal Recreational Trail Program for the construction of a boardwalk at Dalske Woodlands but advised that the City was not awarded the funding. He stated that the boardwalk was inserted into the 2019 CIP, so there are plans of building a boardwalk regardless of the grant being awarded. Acting Chairperson Kovich asked if the City can apply for the grant again in 2019. Mr. Kytonen confirmed that the City can apply for the grant again in 2019 as well. Commissioner Olson suggested that the City apply for the Lessard -Sams grant through the legislature in 2019 as well. He noted that it is often helpful for people to testify at the legislature in support of the request as well. Acting Chairperson Kovich noted that parks and trails are a part of that grant program and perhaps the project would qualify. Mr. Kytonen stated that it is hard to be awarded that money as a City, as the grant tends to award funds to bigger organizations which then disburse the funds to cities. He stated that although it might be difficult for the City to apply, he can look into it further. Acting Chairperson Kovich stated that he will follow up with staff at Anoka Conservation District to gather additional input and determine if it would be a worthwhile attempt. Mr. Kytonen noted that regardless the boardwalk can be constructed because it has been included in the 2019 CIP. He confirmed that he will also reapply for the DNR Federal Recreational Trail Program again in 2019. APPROVAL OFMINUTES — March 14, 2018 Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes — July 11, 2018 Page 2 Motion by Commissioner Faherty, Second by Commissioner Perra, to approve the minutes of March 14, 2018. Motion passed 4-0. MARTIN'S MEAD 0WS PRESERVE GRANT UPDATE Mr. Kytonen stated that the grant has expired that the City received for use in Martin's Meadows. He reviewed photographs of the last volunteer planting event at the preserve, noting that volunteers from Aveda participated. He stated that it would have been nice to have the Commission present at the event, explaining that the event snuck up on him and he did not have sufficient time to notify the group. He estimated that about 200 shrubs were planted during the event. He stated that any unused funds would have been returned per the terms of the grant when it expired at the end of June. DISCUSS JOINT MEETING WITH CITY COUNCIL Acting Chairperson Kovich stated that Chairperson Sabel did a great job on her presentation, estimating that the discussion lasted about 45 minutes. He stated that the Commission asked the Council for funding to complete the boardwalk, which put the improvement on the radar of the Council. Mr. Kytonen stated that there had been a request to see if there would be funding available to put aside for purchasing additional land but that did not appear to be an option for lack of additional funds. Commissioner Faherty asked if the Council had any new asks of the Commission or any feedback. Commissioner Olson stated that the feedback from the Council was positive. Acting Chairperson Kovich -stated--that there was discussion of Fustonc disp ays, mam y suggested by Councilmember Knight. Mr. Kytonen noted that the Council was impressed with the kiosks that Commissioner Faherty designed. Acting Chairperson Kovich noted that there was support for the Commission to continue on its role. Mr. Kytonen stated that the big question mark was whether or not another referendum would be supported for additional land purchases in the future. DISCUSS IDEAS FOR HISTORIC DISPLAYS IN NATURE PRESERVES Mr. Kytonen stated that this idea was driven by Councilmember Knight. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes —July 11, 2018 Page 3 Commissioner Olson stated that he began thinking and perhaps talking with Councilmember Knight would be a good starting point to gain knowledge on historical information that could be placed at the entrance to the nature preserves. Commissioner Faherty noted that the kiosk could hold that information as well. Mr. Kytonen stated that another option would be to place signage along the trail. Acting Chairperson Kovich stated that perhaps the first step would be to contact someone at the Anoka Historical Society. Commissioner Faherty noted that she did reach out to the Historical Society to gain information on the previous owners and then did additional research on Ancestry.com. She suggested reaching out to Councilmember Knight to gain additional knowledge. Acting Chairperson Kovich confirmed that the first step would be to reach out to Councilmember Knight to determine if he has knowledge on the nature preserves. He stated that he would attempt to speak with Councilmember Knight at Fun Fest this weekend. Commissioner Faherty stated that she was planning to go to the Historical Society and will attempt to find additional information from that source. DISCUSS FUNFEST SHIFTS Mr. Kytonen reviewed the shift schedule for Friday and Saturday. Commissioner Faherty volunteered to cover part of the Friday evening shift. Mr. Kytonen reviewed the displays that will be available for the booth. Commissioner Olson suggested that Mr. Kytonen print off the nature preserve maps for visitors to take with them. OTHER BUSINESS a. Next Meeting: October 10, 2018 Mr. Kytonen stated that the Commission has been meeting every two months and before that was meeting quarterly. He suggested that perhaps the Commission meet in October and meet on site at a preserve prior to the meeting. Commissioner Faherty suggested meeting at Martin's Meadows for the site visit to view the restoration work that was completed. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes—July 11, 2018 Page 4 Mr. Kytonen stated that the kiosk will be completed at Dalske Woods along with signage that has been posted. He suggested visiting Dalske Woods as that preserve will have had the most changes. It was the consensus of the Commission to visit Dalske Woods at 5:00 p.m. and then hold a regular meeting at City Hall at 6:00 p.m. Mr. Kytonen stated that the new welcome sign was posted at Maple View Preserve. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Olson, Second by Commissioner Faherty, to adjourn the meeting at 6:49 p.m. Motion passed 4-0. Respectfully submitted, Kameron Kytonen Natural Resources Technician Drafted by: Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W.. ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 • (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 • WWW.ANDOVERMN.GOV TO: Andover Open Space Advisory Commission FROM: Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician SUBJECT: Update on the Four Nature Preserves DATE: November 14, 2018 REQUEST The Natural Resources Technician has visited and performed management activities at all the nature preserves. An update will be given, including pictures and maps of the sites. Respectfully submitted, 9---, Kameron Kytonen ANDOVEA, T Y O F 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. • ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 • (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 • WWW.ANDOVERMN.GOV TO: Andover Open Space Advisory Commission FROM: Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician SUBJECT: Discussion of Possible Grants DATE: November 14, 2018 REQUEST The Natural Resources Technician will discuss potential grant opportunities that may be out there for restoration/enhancement of the four nature preserves. An update will also be given on another potential grant opportunity with GRG under the Big Rivers program for enhancement of habitat in Maple View Preserve. Respectfully submitted, Kameron Kytonen 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. • ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 • (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 • WWW.ANDOVERMN.GOV TO: Andover Open Space Advisory Commission FROM: Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician SUBJECT: Discussion of Boardwalk Costs and Status of Dalske Woodlands Boardwalk DATE: November 14, 2018 INTRODUCTION Dalske Woodlands Preserve is currently separated by a wetland area that encompasses a county ditch. This prevents users from being able to safely cross into the upland area, which is situated on the southern half. DISCUSSION This past winter, the City applied for a grant under the DNR Federal Recreational Trail Program with hopes of getting funding to build the boardwalk. Unfortunately, the project wasn't selected to receive a grant. However, the boardwalk was inserted into the 2020 CIP, so there are plans of building a boardwalk, regardless of being awarded a grant in the future. The City has recently installed a few other boardwalks in the City, and will share some of that cost information with the Commission. ACTION REQUESTED The Commission is requested to discuss the future boardwalk at Dalske Woodlands Preserve. Respectfully submitted, Kameron Kytonen Attach: Federal Recreational Trail Program overview Federal recreational trail program - Grants - Minnesota DNR - MN Department of Natural... Page 1 of 4 Page Menu Federal Recreational Trail Program Program purpose: To encourage the maintenance and development of motorized, non -motorized, and diversified trails by providing funding assistance. Eligible projects: Motorized and non -motorized trail projects; maintenance/ restoration of existing recreational trails; development/ rehabilitation of recreational trail linkages, including trail side and trail head facilities; environmental awareness and safety education programs relating to the use of recreational trails; and redesign/ relocation of trails to benefit/ minimize the impact to the natural environment. Ineligible activities: Condemnation, trail construction in federally designated wilderness areas, and facilitating motorized trail use on trails predominantly used by non motorized users prior to May 1, 1991. Who may apply: All projects must be sponsored by a unit of government, preferably in cooperation with a local trail organization. Priorities: The Minnesota Recreational Trail Users Association annually prioritizes funding categories prior to the solicitation process. Projects that involve urban youth corps workers such as the Conservation Corps Minnesota (http://www.conservationcorps.org) will be given special consideration. (Download the Conservation Corps Minnesota Fact Sheet (https: / /files. dnr. state. rn n. us /assistance/ grants/ recreation/ federal trai [--grants /MCCfa, PDF for more information.) Level of assistance: A 25% cash or in-kind match for eligible elements of the project proposal is required. Costs must be incurred and paid for before reimbursement. Neither this funding source nor the cash match may be used to meet existing payroll; only contract services, materials and supplies are reimbursable. Federal funds can in some cases be used as match for this program. https://www.dnr.state.nm.us/grants/recreation/trails_federal.html 11/7/2018 Federal recreational trail program - Grants - Minnesota DNR - MN Department of Natural... Page 2 of 4 The minimum grant request is $1,000, and the maximum grant award is $150,000. Maximum request per piece of equipment is $75,000. Equipment purchases at or above $75,000 require a 50% match, and those purchases below $75,000 require a 25% match. General information: , Funding comes from revenue received by the Federal Highway Trust Fund. All projects funded in 2018 must be completed by June 30, 2020. How to apply: The completed application is due February 28, 2018. Grant application materials are Linked below. Grant awards The Department of Natural Resources and the state's trail advisory council will review and rank applications during the spring of 2018. Grant awards will be announced in June 2018. 0